Architect and Builder June 2017 | Page 44

to upper roof planters wrapping around the Park give a strong connection to the Jacaranda City. The incorporation of a childrens’ interactive maze water feature, climbing frames and mirror spheres create fun elements to the space. All ground level landscaping follows a water- wise indigenous planting theme, with strong interventions of contemporary straight lines through low stone gabion walls and shade trees. A large circular water feature on the traffic circle with its numerous nozzles, coloured lights and central geyser jets adds visual impact. CENTRAL PARK LAYOUT PLAN LOWER GROUND FLOOR PLAN HVAC For the purposes of the Green Star credit requirements, energy consumption had to be reduced by ±50% when compared to a reference building with design properties as stipulated in SANS204, which would also contribute to lower greenhouse-gas emissions. To achieve this a number of energy saving initiatives were employed. The chilled water air-handling units run on a 100% full outside air economy cycle when the conditions are favourable and have CO2 monitoring for demand controlled outdoor air, which results in a massive reduction in energy usage by the building and ensures that the air in the centre is always fresh enough for building occupants. Large fans and chilled water pumps make use of variable speed drives which allows only the optimum quantity of air and water to be delivered in order to meet minimum building demands, which reduces unnecessary motor energy consumption. Thermostatically controlled variable air volume dampers in turn deliver only the necessary quantity of air required by the shop based on the heat load which prevents over supply of air into the shops. Cooling towers are provided with variable speed driven fans and simultaneous unloading to improve fan efficiency at part load conditions. The cooling towers are also sized for lower condenser water temperatures to increase chiller efficiency. A central energy centre was designed with a combination of varying capacity chillers to optimise on part load efficiencies, redundancy and runtimes. Night time cooling is incorporated using the intelligence on the BMS. GROUND FLOOR PLAN 44 Menlyn Shopping Centre